Mechanisms by which high maternal fat intake during pregnancy increases breast cancer risk in female rodent offspring.
Emerging evidence indicates that a high in utero estrogenic environment increases breast cancer risk in women. We have proposed that a maternal intake of a high-fat diet is a source for high pregnancy estrogen levels and increases breast cancer risk among female offspring. In this review, the role of dietary fat in breast cancer, particularly during fetal life, is discussed. In addition, we provide possible mechanisms of action of the effects of a high-fat diet on the breast. These mechanisms include protein kinase C, estrogens and estrogen receptor, and alterations in mammary parenchymal structures.
Hilakivi-Clarke
L
L
Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007-2197, USA. clarkel@gunet.georgetown.edu
D000818:Animals; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008325:Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000209:etiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; D051381:Rats; D012307:Risk Factors
D004041:Dietary Fats